Armando Broja joins the Chelsea camp for the pre-season in LA
Chelsea have received a boost as in-demand striker Armando Broja has joined the Blues camp in Los Angeles for the pre-season, reports football.london. The striker is in demand with a host of clubs keeping tabs on his future.
Broja spent the last season on loan at Southampton, where he impressed and caught the attention of a few clubs. The 20-year-old Albanian scored six goals in 32 league appearances for the Saints. Now, the striker wants to know his role for Chelsea next season, or he could consider his options.
West Ham United are said to be leading the race for the Albanian forward. Newcastle United and Southampton are also interested in the 20-year-old and there is no shortage of options for the youngster to choose from. Broja had not flown with the rest of the team last Saturday, though this has nothing to do with him being linked with a potential exit.
Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, wants to first assess the striker during pre-season and then offer him a role in the club for next season. The German tactician is currently on very limited options up front. Romelu Lukaku has departed the club following his disappointing return to Stamford Bridge.
Timo Werner, the only either specialist senior striker on the team, has been inconsistent in front of goal. This would give Broja the much-needed boost to showcase his talent to Tuchel. After all, the Albanian emerged as one of the best young strikers in the Premier League.
Broja could take this opportunity to cement his place in the team for next season. It is very unlikely that Tuchel will make him the first-choice striker, but he could serve as a backup and make the bench every week. The Albanian international still has a lot to learn despite his eagerness to start games.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been linked with a move for Raheem Sterling, with reports indicating that the deal is done and the Englishman will be unveiled soon as a Blue player. Sterling, though a winger, can also play as a number nine when required. If Broja can impress Tuchel during the pre-season, Sterling could then likely play as a winger next season.
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It will be interesting to see where Broja plays next season. It would be wise for Tuchel to give him a chance before he makes a decision. As for the 20-year-old, he would love to play for his boyhood club, and have the fans chant his name.